Leader: Professor Andrew Markus

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit explores the character and genealogy of genocidal thought. The first part focuses on the development of racial thought in the post-Enlightenment period, especially the objectification of human life and paradigms of social progress and destiny. It will consider eugenic thought, and the cultural and pseudo-scientific variants of anti-semitism. These studies will provide the basis for a typology of genocidal thought. The second part considers the application of this typology to the theories of class warfare and religious conflict in Stalinist Soviet Union, Pol Pot's Cambodia, contemporary Christian millenarianism and variants of radical Islam.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, students will be expected to:

1. have an understanding of the content and development of genocidal thought
2. have an understanding of typologies of genocidal thought
3. appreciate the possible relationships or connections in extreme forms of thought within the realms of religion, race and class conflict
4. have a capacity to undertake research in the subject area of this unit

Assessment

Tutorial participation: 10%; Short essay (3000 words): 30%; Research essay (6000 words): 60%

Contact hours

1 two hour seminar for 12 weeks

Prohibitions

HSY4440, HYM4440